Does life ever surprise you with the joys and sufferings that happen, sometimes simultaneously? There are so many encouraging things happening in and around our church. People are meeting Jesus. God is saving people as well as transforming lives.
At the exact same time, however, a brief review of my prayer journal reveals people are suffering through job loss, death, and grief. Along with that, there are hospitalizations, accidents, sicknesses, and several other challenging circumstances.
During this season, I am clinging to one of the great truths of the Bible. God’s sovereignty. What does that mean? Here is one definition: God’s sovereignty means He is powerful and authoritative over all other powers and authorities.
As Christians, we can believe one of two things. Either God is sovereign or He is not.
What does the Bible teach about this topic? Here is just a brief sampling of what it says.
Remind Yourself
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” — Genesis 50:20
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” — Job 42:2
“declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” — Isaiah 46:10
“This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” — Acts 2:23
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28
“for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.” — Revelation 17:17
We must always rest in God’s sovereignty. Indeed, we serve a God who is in control and able to bring good even from terrible evil. Remind yourself again and again: God is forever sovereign and in complete control. We certainly don’t understand everything that is happening around us. But we can trust His faithfulness.
Reminding myself,
Josh
Posted in A Word from the Pastor